It was established by the City of Edmonton and the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations in 2013 following the signing of Memorandum of Cooperation and Dialogue between the City and the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations in 2012. The day also serves to recognize and celebrate Treaty No.6 between the Plains, Wood Cree, Nakota, Saulteaux and Dene people and the British Crown at Fort Carlton on August 23, 1876.

Edmonton, known as Amiskwaciwâskahikan in Cree, which means ‘Beaver Hills House’, was founded on Treaty No. 6 Territory. Thus the day commemorates the city’s connection with the First peoples of this land and it symbolizes a commitment to collaboration, respectful dialogue and shared opportunities. Indeed, as Edmonton Mayor and honorary member of EPE’s Stewardship Roundtable Don Iveson has pointed out, all Edmontonians can be considered Treaty people.

Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day also aligns with EndPovertyEdmonton’s work towards Reconciliation with First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. This includes a number of current and planned actions listed under the theme “Towards True Reconciliation” in our Road Map, as well as the guidance and input contributed by EPE’s Indigenous Circle and its co-chairs, Shannon Hebden and Lloyd Cardinal.

On Friday at 9:00 am, Mayor Don Iveson will invite Dr. J. Wilton Littlechild, the Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations, and the Chiefs of all 17 Treaty No. 6 First Nations, to City Hall for a traditional ceremony, and the raising of the Treaty No. 6 Flag in Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Winners of the Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day Art Contest, which reflect the Treaty theme “As long as the sun shines, the waters flow, and the grass grows” will also be announced. Fort Edmonton will also mark the occasion with a number of celebratory and historic events over the weekend. The event is open to the public, so we hope to see you there!